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Wed or Alive
Discover the BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from MULTI-MILLION-COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh
She's not getting hitched. He's just here for the ride.
Whitney's life is not going to plan. Her romantic comedy novel isn't selling, her career feels stuck, and by the time she realises she's in love with her best friend and roommate, Andy, he's back from his work trip with a fiancée - and a wedding date that is alarmingly soon.
Enter a cowboy with his own problems, including a country estate he's desperate to buy and an owner who doesn't trust developers - or men without roots. When a viral moment throws Whitney and Jake together, they strike a deal. Whitney gets the real-life love story publishers want. Jake gets to look like a committed, family-minded man who belongs at Rosewood. All they have to do is pretend they're in love.
As Andy's wedding approaches, Whitney uncovers a plot twist that could change everything for him - but the romcom she's acting out with Jake is starting to feel dangerously real.
Falling for your best friend is complicated, but riding off into the sunset with a cowboy is pure fiction… Right?
She's not getting hitched. He's just here for the ride.
Whitney's life is not going to plan. Her romantic comedy novel isn't selling, her career feels stuck, and by the time she realises she's in love with her best friend and roommate, Andy, he's back from his work trip with a fiancée - and a wedding date that is alarmingly soon.
Enter a cowboy with his own problems, including a country estate he's desperate to buy and an owner who doesn't trust developers - or men without roots. When a viral moment throws Whitney and Jake together, they strike a deal. Whitney gets the real-life love story publishers want. Jake gets to look like a committed, family-minded man who belongs at Rosewood. All they have to do is pretend they're in love.
As Andy's wedding approaches, Whitney uncovers a plot twist that could change everything for him - but the romcom she's acting out with Jake is starting to feel dangerously real.
Falling for your best friend is complicated, but riding off into the sunset with a cowboy is pure fiction… Right?
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
62 books2,233 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 2, 2026
*Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eARC; the review is my own.*
If you’ve watched My Best Friend’s Wedding, you’ll have a bit of deja vu while reading this book. It’s not an exact copy, but it does have quite a few of the same plot points. That said, this book was decent. MBFW has never been my favorite rom-com for many reasons, one of which is that (spoiler!) Julia Roberts ends up by herself. Well, unless you count her friendship with a gay guy—but the point of a rom-com is to give you a happy ending with a couple in love. The movie is unromantic, rarely comedic, and often painful. So when you consider that this book bears a strong similarity to that movie, know that these main characters are a bit more reasonable and the ending is much, much better; I might actually enjoy this version if I could watch it.
My quips are less to do with the story (which I generally liked) and more to do with what just might be my American preferences. The amount of sex-related humor in this book was tedious. Honestly, it felt tacky to me. All the penis-shaped tiaras, the awkward game the group played the night before the wedding, JJ’s single-minded obsession with sex, the things Whitney overhead when JJ brought a random guy back to the apartment (and into Andy’s room, btw—gross), etc. You know how young kids (especially boys between the ages of 7 and 11) are stuck on bathroom humor? Sex became the bathroom humor of this book. It wasn’t even funny; it was just, as I already said, tacky. I’m not under any mistaken beliefs that American writers are angels, but for some reason, I’ve encountered this very same specific style of cringey sex humor in a lot of British rom-coms, and that’s it.
I also take issue with JJ, who I thought was a terrible friend. But at least Whit could hold her own and not give in to JJ’s constant influence.
Whitney and Jake, though! I liked them. In fact, I think the book needed more Jake. I swear I was halfway through by the time he even showed up, which didn’t give him a whole lot of time to make an impression. But he was wonderful. He and Whitney were such a great match and both genuinely good people, so it was easy to root for them.
How it ends:
Language: Some, mostly f words
Violence: None
Alcohol & drugs: Maybe a little drinking?
Physical Intimacy: Fade to black
LGBT: None
Other: Quite a bit of sex-related humor
Audiobook Narrators & Comments: Karen Cass
This narrator was okay. I’ve listened to some other books she’s narrated, and I don’t hate her. But I don’t love her either. Her way of reading feels somewhat unnatural to me most of the time, like she’s putting on an act. Her voices are okay. But her American Texas rancher accent was truly painful.
If you’ve watched My Best Friend’s Wedding, you’ll have a bit of deja vu while reading this book. It’s not an exact copy, but it does have quite a few of the same plot points. That said, this book was decent. MBFW has never been my favorite rom-com for many reasons, one of which is that (spoiler!) Julia Roberts ends up by herself. Well, unless you count her friendship with a gay guy—but the point of a rom-com is to give you a happy ending with a couple in love. The movie is unromantic, rarely comedic, and often painful. So when you consider that this book bears a strong similarity to that movie, know that these main characters are a bit more reasonable and the ending is much, much better; I might actually enjoy this version if I could watch it.
My quips are less to do with the story (which I generally liked) and more to do with what just might be my American preferences. The amount of sex-related humor in this book was tedious. Honestly, it felt tacky to me. All the penis-shaped tiaras, the awkward game the group played the night before the wedding, JJ’s single-minded obsession with sex, the things Whitney overhead when JJ brought a random guy back to the apartment (and into Andy’s room, btw—gross), etc. You know how young kids (especially boys between the ages of 7 and 11) are stuck on bathroom humor? Sex became the bathroom humor of this book. It wasn’t even funny; it was just, as I already said, tacky. I’m not under any mistaken beliefs that American writers are angels, but for some reason, I’ve encountered this very same specific style of cringey sex humor in a lot of British rom-coms, and that’s it.
I also take issue with JJ, who I thought was a terrible friend. But at least Whit could hold her own and not give in to JJ’s constant influence.
Whitney and Jake, though! I liked them. In fact, I think the book needed more Jake. I swear I was halfway through by the time he even showed up, which didn’t give him a whole lot of time to make an impression. But he was wonderful. He and Whitney were such a great match and both genuinely good people, so it was easy to root for them.
How it ends:
Language: Some, mostly f words
Violence: None
Alcohol & drugs: Maybe a little drinking?
Physical Intimacy: Fade to black
LGBT: None
Other: Quite a bit of sex-related humor
Audiobook Narrators & Comments: Karen Cass
This narrator was okay. I’ve listened to some other books she’s narrated, and I don’t hate her. But I don’t love her either. Her way of reading feels somewhat unnatural to me most of the time, like she’s putting on an act. Her voices are okay. But her American Texas rancher accent was truly painful.
May 1, 2026
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Wed or Alive was the perfect example of thinking you know what you want, or need, then something (or someone) becomes the catalyst that makes you change your mind; but really, what you thought all along that was right under your nose isn’t really what you wanted or needed to begin with. Or is it?
Sound a little dizzying? That’s the type of viewpoint and perception that Whitney has when it comes to her love life. She’s all over the place. I get the feeling that she has a tough time finding her happily ever after because she wants the type of storyline she creates within her imagination. To find that perfect man that doesn’t exist in the real world. The only person who would ever come close is her best friend and roommate, Andy–but when she finally figures out that she could see a happily ever after with him, he’s found that scenario with someone else.
Jake is a sexy cowboy that Whitney could see as perfect potential, but she doesn’t know him, other than how quick he’d been to save her from an unfortunate experience in a water fountain. (It was a cute and unique way to have the two characters meet each other for the first time.) Whitney’s best friend (and agent) JJ comes up with a clever plan for Whitney to get what she wants, creating a path to a successful romcom writing career, while Jake can get what he wants, which is buying a country estate–but in order for everyone to pull off the plan, Whitney and Jake have to pretend to be an engaged couple.
This could backfire, or it could go in Whitney’s favor, depending on what it might mean for Andy and his own personal feelings towards Whitney. There are moments of obvious jealousy, and there are moments of confusion when trying to decide if Andy’s fiance is really who she claims to be, or if there is some shrouded secret that surrounds that situation. During Whitney’s trial and error experiences, she ultimately discovers what she wants and needs, not based on outside influences, and the way she discovers that is a lot of fun to witness and see. It was also nice to recognize that there is no perfect person, only a perfect person for the individual seeking love. But Whitney has to decide what that means and who that might be for her, whether it’s Andy, Jake, someone else, or no one else. Wed or Alive was light-hearted and sweet, an easy-breezy five-star experience!
Wed or Alive was the perfect example of thinking you know what you want, or need, then something (or someone) becomes the catalyst that makes you change your mind; but really, what you thought all along that was right under your nose isn’t really what you wanted or needed to begin with. Or is it?
Sound a little dizzying? That’s the type of viewpoint and perception that Whitney has when it comes to her love life. She’s all over the place. I get the feeling that she has a tough time finding her happily ever after because she wants the type of storyline she creates within her imagination. To find that perfect man that doesn’t exist in the real world. The only person who would ever come close is her best friend and roommate, Andy–but when she finally figures out that she could see a happily ever after with him, he’s found that scenario with someone else.
Jake is a sexy cowboy that Whitney could see as perfect potential, but she doesn’t know him, other than how quick he’d been to save her from an unfortunate experience in a water fountain. (It was a cute and unique way to have the two characters meet each other for the first time.) Whitney’s best friend (and agent) JJ comes up with a clever plan for Whitney to get what she wants, creating a path to a successful romcom writing career, while Jake can get what he wants, which is buying a country estate–but in order for everyone to pull off the plan, Whitney and Jake have to pretend to be an engaged couple.
This could backfire, or it could go in Whitney’s favor, depending on what it might mean for Andy and his own personal feelings towards Whitney. There are moments of obvious jealousy, and there are moments of confusion when trying to decide if Andy’s fiance is really who she claims to be, or if there is some shrouded secret that surrounds that situation. During Whitney’s trial and error experiences, she ultimately discovers what she wants and needs, not based on outside influences, and the way she discovers that is a lot of fun to witness and see. It was also nice to recognize that there is no perfect person, only a perfect person for the individual seeking love. But Whitney has to decide what that means and who that might be for her, whether it’s Andy, Jake, someone else, or no one else. Wed or Alive was light-hearted and sweet, an easy-breezy five-star experience!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 stars)
The Mood:** Surprise twists, slow-burn tension, and literal laugh-out-loud moments.
The Unexpected Pivot:
I went into this one thinking I knew exactly where it was going. *Spoiler alert:* I didn't. This book starts out headed for one destination and then takes a massive, surprise redirection mid-way through. I’ll be honest—I was thoroughly annoyed at first! I had my heart set on one trope, but then Jake entered the chat, and suddenly, I was fully on board.
The Laughs:
If you need a book that will make you giggle into the pages, this is it. Despite my gripes with the plot shifts, there are some really funny parts that caught me off guard. The humour is sharp and gave the story that light-hearted energy I love in a contemporary romance.
The Gentleman & The "Vibe-Check:
Can we talk about the lack of chemistry elsewhere, though? I got zero vibes from Andy and Cordelia—not one bit! I actually spent a good chunk of the book convinced they were a "fake fiancé" ruse.
When our true hero finally makes it onto the page (which, fair warning, isn't until midway through), he is an 💕absolute gentleman 💕. I loved the slow burn and the "will they - won't they" tension he brought to the story.
My Honest Critique
◼️The Pacing: Because the first half is so focused on Whit’s friend group, the actual romance felt a little rushed once it finally kicked off.
◼️The Wishlist: I desperately wanted more on-page chemistry and cheeky flirting between Whit & Jake. I needed more of that "I really like him but does he like me?" internal monologue to really feel the shift in Whit’s heart.
Final Verdict:
A bit of a bumpy ride in terms of pacing, but the humour and the leading man saved it for me. If you like a hero who is a total class act and don't mind a "bait and switch" in your tropes, give this a go!
The Mood:** Surprise twists, slow-burn tension, and literal laugh-out-loud moments.
The Unexpected Pivot:
I went into this one thinking I knew exactly where it was going. *Spoiler alert:* I didn't. This book starts out headed for one destination and then takes a massive, surprise redirection mid-way through. I’ll be honest—I was thoroughly annoyed at first! I had my heart set on one trope, but then Jake entered the chat, and suddenly, I was fully on board.
The Laughs:
If you need a book that will make you giggle into the pages, this is it. Despite my gripes with the plot shifts, there are some really funny parts that caught me off guard. The humour is sharp and gave the story that light-hearted energy I love in a contemporary romance.
The Gentleman & The "Vibe-Check:
Can we talk about the lack of chemistry elsewhere, though? I got zero vibes from Andy and Cordelia—not one bit! I actually spent a good chunk of the book convinced they were a "fake fiancé" ruse.
When our true hero finally makes it onto the page (which, fair warning, isn't until midway through), he is an 💕absolute gentleman 💕. I loved the slow burn and the "will they - won't they" tension he brought to the story.
My Honest Critique
◼️The Pacing: Because the first half is so focused on Whit’s friend group, the actual romance felt a little rushed once it finally kicked off.
◼️The Wishlist: I desperately wanted more on-page chemistry and cheeky flirting between Whit & Jake. I needed more of that "I really like him but does he like me?" internal monologue to really feel the shift in Whit’s heart.
Final Verdict:
A bit of a bumpy ride in terms of pacing, but the humour and the leading man saved it for me. If you like a hero who is a total class act and don't mind a "bait and switch" in your tropes, give this a go!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Probably 3.5 stars - so rounding to 4.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
This was a cute book and had me all over the place trying to figure out who I was rooting for. I hadn't read too much of the description because I like to go in a little blind, but when we start talking about Andy I had to know if this was going to be a friends to lovers situation. I love that trope and was here for it. Except, then Whitney meets Jake. Jake is literally the MMC of your dreams. Hot cowboy who is genuinely kind and thoughtful. So, here I am trying to decide if I love Andy or Jake. Meanwhile, Whitney is trying to figure it out too. Haha. I really struggled that the MMC doesn't even show up until were almost half way through the book. It made it feel slightly rushed to create this relationship between Jake and Whitney. I struggled with Whitney in general because I just didn't understand her at times. There were just parts where she didn't want to say anything to Andy about her concerns because "it's his life" and "he's an adult", but if my BEST friend had genuine concerns about something, I would want to hear it. It was a weird stance to take. I also struggled with JJ. She was fun, don't get me wrong. I loved her character, until she kind of went overboard and even with her being a bit chaotic, she didn't seem like she would jump to conclusions and ruin everything without facts... but she does... It just didn't seem on brand for her. Where the book ended up and how it turned out, was great though! I was happy that everyone got the happily ever wafter that seemed right for them.
I know a few people who would truly love this book, but I don't think it would be for everyone. I'll be recommending to those who would!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
This was a cute book and had me all over the place trying to figure out who I was rooting for. I hadn't read too much of the description because I like to go in a little blind, but when we start talking about Andy I had to know if this was going to be a friends to lovers situation. I love that trope and was here for it. Except, then Whitney meets Jake. Jake is literally the MMC of your dreams. Hot cowboy who is genuinely kind and thoughtful. So, here I am trying to decide if I love Andy or Jake. Meanwhile, Whitney is trying to figure it out too. Haha. I really struggled that the MMC doesn't even show up until were almost half way through the book. It made it feel slightly rushed to create this relationship between Jake and Whitney. I struggled with Whitney in general because I just didn't understand her at times. There were just parts where she didn't want to say anything to Andy about her concerns because "it's his life" and "he's an adult", but if my BEST friend had genuine concerns about something, I would want to hear it. It was a weird stance to take. I also struggled with JJ. She was fun, don't get me wrong. I loved her character, until she kind of went overboard and even with her being a bit chaotic, she didn't seem like she would jump to conclusions and ruin everything without facts... but she does... It just didn't seem on brand for her. Where the book ended up and how it turned out, was great though! I was happy that everyone got the happily ever wafter that seemed right for them.
I know a few people who would truly love this book, but I don't think it would be for everyone. I'll be recommending to those who would!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3✨ this book was likeable to a point! First of all the characters were a bit flat and a bit boring. The romance was to quick and didn’t even feel any really chemistry between them.
Whitney the fmc was a bit of a push over letting everyone decide for her, she’s never stood up for what she’s wanted. The whole I’m not in love with my best friend to oh I’m love my best friend to oh no I’m not in love my with best friend 🤦🏻♀️ was driving me crazy!
Jake the fake fiancée I liked him but he didn’t have much fight in him when he found out about Whitney being in love with Andy (even though she’s not) he just walked away without fighting for her 👀
Andy is Whitney best friend he would have been perfect for Whitney they had so much chemistry than she’s did with Jake. Andy knew her inside out and did things for her no one else did!! Why could he have been the one for her!
JJ is Whitney best friend who her agent but wouldn’t even help her with getting her book published unless she’s does something for her 🙈 not a likeable character!
Cordelia is Andy fiancée was the worst character in the book she’s just was so out of place, she came across like a spoiled brat. Andy was doing everything he hated just to please her, a relationship like that would never last!! And he’s meant to be madly in love with her (I don’t see it)
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwoods Books for the ebook in exchange for my honest opinion!
Whitney the fmc was a bit of a push over letting everyone decide for her, she’s never stood up for what she’s wanted. The whole I’m not in love with my best friend to oh I’m love my best friend to oh no I’m not in love my with best friend 🤦🏻♀️ was driving me crazy!
Jake the fake fiancée I liked him but he didn’t have much fight in him when he found out about Whitney being in love with Andy (even though she’s not) he just walked away without fighting for her 👀
Andy is Whitney best friend he would have been perfect for Whitney they had so much chemistry than she’s did with Jake. Andy knew her inside out and did things for her no one else did!! Why could he have been the one for her!
JJ is Whitney best friend who her agent but wouldn’t even help her with getting her book published unless she’s does something for her 🙈 not a likeable character!
Cordelia is Andy fiancée was the worst character in the book she’s just was so out of place, she came across like a spoiled brat. Andy was doing everything he hated just to please her, a relationship like that would never last!! And he’s meant to be madly in love with her (I don’t see it)
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwoods Books for the ebook in exchange for my honest opinion!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
April 12, 2026I was so excited to receive the invite to ARC read this from Boldwood Books but I am really sad to say I just couldn’t get into this story like I had hoped I would.
What I loved about the book:
Andy and Whitney’s dynamic at the start. It felt like we were building into a gorgeous friends to lovers, slow burn romance with two clueless but really well suited characters who couldn’t see the one thing right in front of them: it was always meant to be them.
What I was struggling with about the book:
Pacing. Like I said, it felt like a friends to lovers between Andy and Whitney and it’s not… but it takes nearly half the book to introduce the actual love interest and honestly I struggled to get to that point because I felt like all I knew about Whit at this stage was that she wanted to be a writer, she had two best friends, and she’s in love with one of them but he’s now engaged despite it feeling very much like he loved her too…
I think if you don’t mind a really slow, quiet book with meddling friends and more focus on one MC than both then you might love this, but unfortunately for me, it just wasn’t right for me and unfortunately, with the fact I’m drowning in work outside of reading and writing, I just couldn’t motivate myself enough to keep pushing through.
Perhaps I’ll come back at a later date and reread it and change my mind, but today it’s an unfortunate DNF for me.
What I loved about the book:
Andy and Whitney’s dynamic at the start. It felt like we were building into a gorgeous friends to lovers, slow burn romance with two clueless but really well suited characters who couldn’t see the one thing right in front of them: it was always meant to be them.
What I was struggling with about the book:
Pacing. Like I said, it felt like a friends to lovers between Andy and Whitney and it’s not… but it takes nearly half the book to introduce the actual love interest and honestly I struggled to get to that point because I felt like all I knew about Whit at this stage was that she wanted to be a writer, she had two best friends, and she’s in love with one of them but he’s now engaged despite it feeling very much like he loved her too…
I think if you don’t mind a really slow, quiet book with meddling friends and more focus on one MC than both then you might love this, but unfortunately for me, it just wasn’t right for me and unfortunately, with the fact I’m drowning in work outside of reading and writing, I just couldn’t motivate myself enough to keep pushing through.
Perhaps I’ll come back at a later date and reread it and change my mind, but today it’s an unfortunate DNF for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | 🌶️
📝 Cowboy
📝 Fake Dating
📝 Best Friend to Lovers (ish)
This was my first read by Portia MacIntosh, and I was really drawn in by the premise - especially the cowboy trope 🤠 But I wish I hadn’t read the blurb.
We don’t actually meet Jake until around the 40% mark, and while I understand building up the possibility of Andy, the blurb makes it pretty clear he isn’t the MMC - so it ended up feeling more like a waiting game than anything else. Part of me thought maybe there will be an epic final twist and she will end up with Andy, but no such luck.
When Jake does arrive, the chemistry is there-ish but it felt very rushed. I would’ve loved more time to actually see that relationship develop. But Whitney just went back and forth.
That said, I did enjoy aspects of the writing - it’s easy to read and I’d definitely try another book by this author. I just don’t think this was the one for me.
Overall, it felt a bit uneven. Some parts dragged, others rushed, and there were a few loose ends that left things feeling slightly unfinished. Some of the characters felt flat and unlikeable - looking at you Cordelia. So I wanted it to be Andy. We knew the most about him, and their chemistry felt more genuine.
📝 Cowboy
📝 Fake Dating
📝 Best Friend to Lovers (ish)
This was my first read by Portia MacIntosh, and I was really drawn in by the premise - especially the cowboy trope 🤠 But I wish I hadn’t read the blurb.
We don’t actually meet Jake until around the 40% mark, and while I understand building up the possibility of Andy, the blurb makes it pretty clear he isn’t the MMC - so it ended up feeling more like a waiting game than anything else. Part of me thought maybe there will be an epic final twist and she will end up with Andy, but no such luck.
When Jake does arrive, the chemistry is there-ish but it felt very rushed. I would’ve loved more time to actually see that relationship develop. But Whitney just went back and forth.
That said, I did enjoy aspects of the writing - it’s easy to read and I’d definitely try another book by this author. I just don’t think this was the one for me.
Overall, it felt a bit uneven. Some parts dragged, others rushed, and there were a few loose ends that left things feeling slightly unfinished. Some of the characters felt flat and unlikeable - looking at you Cordelia. So I wanted it to be Andy. We knew the most about him, and their chemistry felt more genuine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to love this book because the premise had so much potential, but unfortunately it just didn’t deliver for me.
One of the biggest issues was pacing. It took around 40% of the book before we were even properly introduced to the MMC, which made it hard to feel invested in the central romance. By the time Jake finally appeared, there just wasn’t enough story left to fully develop his relationship or give us meaningful time with him. This was such a shame, because he was easily the most redeemable part of the book.
I also really struggled with JJ as a best friend character. Her actions throughout the story were frustrating and often hard to sympathise with. From meddling in her friend’s love life in ways that felt more harmful than helpful, to making choices that caused chaos. I also really wanted to like Whitney but she also just felt a bit shallow to me. Not in a shallow way, more in she didn’t have enough depth for me to see growth.
Overall, this felt like a great concept that didn’t quite live up to its promise. While there were glimpses of what could have been, mostly thanks to Jake, the execution fell flat for me.
One of the biggest issues was pacing. It took around 40% of the book before we were even properly introduced to the MMC, which made it hard to feel invested in the central romance. By the time Jake finally appeared, there just wasn’t enough story left to fully develop his relationship or give us meaningful time with him. This was such a shame, because he was easily the most redeemable part of the book.
I also really struggled with JJ as a best friend character. Her actions throughout the story were frustrating and often hard to sympathise with. From meddling in her friend’s love life in ways that felt more harmful than helpful, to making choices that caused chaos. I also really wanted to like Whitney but she also just felt a bit shallow to me. Not in a shallow way, more in she didn’t have enough depth for me to see growth.
Overall, this felt like a great concept that didn’t quite live up to its promise. While there were glimpses of what could have been, mostly thanks to Jake, the execution fell flat for me.
May 19, 2026
4.5⭐️ This was such a cute book. Portia MacIntosh has quickly became an auto-read author for me.
The book starts out with a hilarious scene between Whitney and her roommate, Andy, that solidifies their friends only status. Andy goes away on business and Whitney starts to really miss him and begins to question her feelings. She decides to tell Andy when he returns, but he comes home engaged so her plans are thwarted.
Whitney is a rom-com writer whose book isn't selling when she meets cowboy Jake who is looking to relocate and buy Rosewood Estate, but the owner wants to sell to someone who is more family oriented. At her best friend and literary agent's (JJ) suggestion, they decide to fake date in order to both get what they want.
Whitney and Andy are both forced to figure out what they really want and what they're going to do about it.
I loved the pace of this book and literally binged it. There were some laugh out loud moments and Jake is a total sweetheart. I highly recommend reading this book if you're looking for an overall feel good kind of book.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
The book starts out with a hilarious scene between Whitney and her roommate, Andy, that solidifies their friends only status. Andy goes away on business and Whitney starts to really miss him and begins to question her feelings. She decides to tell Andy when he returns, but he comes home engaged so her plans are thwarted.
Whitney is a rom-com writer whose book isn't selling when she meets cowboy Jake who is looking to relocate and buy Rosewood Estate, but the owner wants to sell to someone who is more family oriented. At her best friend and literary agent's (JJ) suggestion, they decide to fake date in order to both get what they want.
Whitney and Andy are both forced to figure out what they really want and what they're going to do about it.
I loved the pace of this book and literally binged it. There were some laugh out loud moments and Jake is a total sweetheart. I highly recommend reading this book if you're looking for an overall feel good kind of book.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
April 18, 2026
if live said it once, I've said it 100 times. Portia knows how to write a rom-com! I went into it blind, just based on knowing that if Portia wrote it, Im going to read it, and i was not disappointed as usual. This was a fun friends to lovers story with fake dating thrown in
Whitney thinks she in love with Andy, but when she goes to tell him he tells her he's engaged to someone else and he asks her to be his "best man" because he thinks of her as such a good friend. So instead of telling him how she feels, she agrees, in the hopes that she will get a chance to tell him about her feelings before the wedding. Enter Jake, a smoking hot cowboy who is also kind and genuine and the stuff of dreams. Jake needs to convince his neighbor he's a family man so he will sell him the property he wants so he and Whitney make a plan to pretend to be dating and of course they catch feelings along the way but Whitney is torn between the two men.
A fun, easy read with a sunny HEA
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
Whitney thinks she in love with Andy, but when she goes to tell him he tells her he's engaged to someone else and he asks her to be his "best man" because he thinks of her as such a good friend. So instead of telling him how she feels, she agrees, in the hopes that she will get a chance to tell him about her feelings before the wedding. Enter Jake, a smoking hot cowboy who is also kind and genuine and the stuff of dreams. Jake needs to convince his neighbor he's a family man so he will sell him the property he wants so he and Whitney make a plan to pretend to be dating and of course they catch feelings along the way but Whitney is torn between the two men.
A fun, easy read with a sunny HEA
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun, emotionally satisfying read that absolutely delivered on the romcom promise. The emotional setup alone pulls you in, but it’s the execution that really shines. The fake-dating dynamic between Whitney and Jake is where the book truly sparkles. Their chemistry builds in a way that feels natural, with plenty of banter, tension, and those small, meaningful moments that make you root for them long before they’re ready to admit anything themselves. It leans heavily on tropes—fake dating, friends-to-lovers, love triangle, small-town charm—but it does so with intention and self-awareness, making them feel fresh rather than predictable. The pacing is mostly spot-on, though a few moments near the end feel slightly rushed, which is the only reason it’s not a full five stars. Still, the emotional stakes land beautifully, especially as Whitney is forced to confront what she really wants versus what she thought she should want. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💍 Welcome to the cowboy era! I am absolutely in love with this book! It’s fun, sweet, and flirty all wrapped into one. While Whitney is surrounded by both literal and emotional chaos as she tries to figure out her life, Jake saunters in at just the right time as one of the swooniest, most calming, and sexiest cowboys.
💍 Whitney’s journey feels relatable and messy, and I loved watching everything unfold as emotions grew more complicated and lines started to blur. Best friends, unexpected announcements, and all the craziness in between keep the story moving and the laughter coming. The chemistry is effortless and subtle (no super spicy moments here!), but the situations are wildly entertaining, and the whole story pulls me right in.
💍 All said and done, I was completely hooked and absolutely recommend this book. It’s quick, fun, and such an easy read. It’s hard not to fall for every character—good vibes all the way around!
💍 Whitney’s journey feels relatable and messy, and I loved watching everything unfold as emotions grew more complicated and lines started to blur. Best friends, unexpected announcements, and all the craziness in between keep the story moving and the laughter coming. The chemistry is effortless and subtle (no super spicy moments here!), but the situations are wildly entertaining, and the whole story pulls me right in.
💍 All said and done, I was completely hooked and absolutely recommend this book. It’s quick, fun, and such an easy read. It’s hard not to fall for every character—good vibes all the way around!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this light rom-com a lot even though the pacing surprised me. I would have expected some events to happen sooner in the story so I wasn’t sure there was going to be enough time to develop the romance, but I think it works. It’s a cute relationship between Jake and Whitney.
I personally liked Whitney’s journey into realizing what really was happening in her heart with Andy. However, I feel that I didn’t get the full experience of their friendship or their closeness.
I do have to say that JJ got on my nerves at the beginning of the story, but later you can tell that she is only trying to help her BFF so everything is forgiven. And it’s nice to see secondary characters that have a personality and are supportive of their friends.
The romance overall was very cute. They do have a good chemistry and their good humor makes the story very easy to fall in love with.
I personally liked Whitney’s journey into realizing what really was happening in her heart with Andy. However, I feel that I didn’t get the full experience of their friendship or their closeness.
I do have to say that JJ got on my nerves at the beginning of the story, but later you can tell that she is only trying to help her BFF so everything is forgiven. And it’s nice to see secondary characters that have a personality and are supportive of their friends.
The romance overall was very cute. They do have a good chemistry and their good humor makes the story very easy to fall in love with.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of those fun romance reads where the hero is so completely perfect that it's just a little far-fetched, while still being exactly what you want from a romance. The thing with this story is that it's exactly what Whitney is looking for. No other man measures up to her best friend Andy, and while you might think to begin with, the romance is heading in that direction, instead, she finds a real romance cliche in the form of Cowboy Jake.
This book was a lot of fun. Whitney and Jake work so well together, and they make a great couple. This is a story that doesn't take itself too seriously and had me smiling along as it unfolded, just what you want from this kind of read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
This book was a lot of fun. Whitney and Jake work so well together, and they make a great couple. This is a story that doesn't take itself too seriously and had me smiling along as it unfolded, just what you want from this kind of read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If we had half stars, I would be rating this one 3.5 stars.
I have read other Portia MacIntosh romance novels and found them to be enjoyable with loveable characters.
This one fell just a little bit flat for me. I loved the concept of Whitney trying to get her romance novel published while falling into a fairy tale romance herself. I was invested in finding out if she was going to end up with her longtime friend or the cowboy who saved her. The other side characters just did not come across as quite so likeable.
The book in my mind did have a happy ending which is why we read romance novels.
I recommend this book to those that like a fun, fast read with an amusing storyline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read other Portia MacIntosh romance novels and found them to be enjoyable with loveable characters.
This one fell just a little bit flat for me. I loved the concept of Whitney trying to get her romance novel published while falling into a fairy tale romance herself. I was invested in finding out if she was going to end up with her longtime friend or the cowboy who saved her. The other side characters just did not come across as quite so likeable.
The book in my mind did have a happy ending which is why we read romance novels.
I recommend this book to those that like a fun, fast read with an amusing storyline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Did Not Finish
April 26, 2026I made it to chapter 5 but I am unfortunately dnfing as I don’t think this author or her writing style is for me. But I do have a lot of thoughts:
1. JJ is an awful best friend who frankly should focus on helping her friend instead of setting her up repeatedly with men of whom she has no interest in.
2. I thought our MMC was going to be idk the guy in the first chapter, come to find out our MMC is not even introduced until 40% in, sorry but that’s too long for me 🤷🏼♀️
3. This is just a preference for me but I don’t enjoy the fact it takes place in England and there is slang that I don’t understand nor has much explanation on what said slang actually means.
Not my favorite book at all and I wish I could continue but I don’t see myself enjoying enough to continue reading.
1. JJ is an awful best friend who frankly should focus on helping her friend instead of setting her up repeatedly with men of whom she has no interest in.
2. I thought our MMC was going to be idk the guy in the first chapter, come to find out our MMC is not even introduced until 40% in, sorry but that’s too long for me 🤷🏼♀️
3. This is just a preference for me but I don’t enjoy the fact it takes place in England and there is slang that I don’t understand nor has much explanation on what said slang actually means.
Not my favorite book at all and I wish I could continue but I don’t see myself enjoying enough to continue reading.
May 14, 2026
Friends-to-lovers has become one of my favourite themes lately, and this book handled it in such a natural and emotionally believable way. Their connection grows from trust, familiarity, and years of truly knowing each other, which made every change in their relationship feel important.
The romance is not built around dramatic moments, but around small shifts in how they begin seeing each other differently. That made the relationship feel more intimate and genuine, especially because both characters understood the risk of ruining something that already mattered deeply.
Even though the story did not follow the usual structure of this trope, that is exactly why it worked so well for me. The emotional development felt quiet, sincere, and completely convincing.
The romance is not built around dramatic moments, but around small shifts in how they begin seeing each other differently. That made the relationship feel more intimate and genuine, especially because both characters understood the risk of ruining something that already mattered deeply.
Even though the story did not follow the usual structure of this trope, that is exactly why it worked so well for me. The emotional development felt quiet, sincere, and completely convincing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wed or Alive is an incredibly easy-to-read, classic contemporary romance novel that brings the reader along on a chaotic misadventure of fake dating (engagement?). Although there are times where the pacing of the relationships and the plot feel a little bit off and the overall vibe of the novel seems to hit slightly off base, this book is still a delightfully lighthearted Portia MacIntosh novel that will never fail to be enjoyable. It takes classic romance tropes and pulls them together in a new way with a little bit of a cowboy twist. It also has the added bonus of having an FMC who’s a writer and loves romance books, something that I will always enjoy in books.
Review of advance copy
First of all, thank you @boldwoodeverafter @portiamacintoshauthor for sending me this book 🫶🏼
This had me laughing all the way through whilst reading (the dates & fountain accident 🤣)
Whitney doesn't have much luck with dates and when her best friend Andy comes back from a business trip ENGAGED she realises she should have told him she loved him sooner. But this happening was actually the best thing for her because in comes hot cowboy Jake 😏
I really enjoyed how chic flicky this was and I'm happy Whitney may have got her happy ending 🩷
This had me laughing all the way through whilst reading (the dates & fountain accident 🤣)
Whitney doesn't have much luck with dates and when her best friend Andy comes back from a business trip ENGAGED she realises she should have told him she loved him sooner. But this happening was actually the best thing for her because in comes hot cowboy Jake 😏
I really enjoyed how chic flicky this was and I'm happy Whitney may have got her happy ending 🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Portia MacIntosh, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
I tried not to read too much into the book, so color me surprised when the cowboy swoops our FMC off her feet. This was cute in a way I wasn’t expecting. I thought it was going to go one way and then went in a different even more satisfying direction. I couldn’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re a cowboy romance fan!
✔️ Cowboy Romance
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ Strangers to Lovers
✔️ Meddling Friends
✔️ Forced Proximity
I tried not to read too much into the book, so color me surprised when the cowboy swoops our FMC off her feet. This was cute in a way I wasn’t expecting. I thought it was going to go one way and then went in a different even more satisfying direction. I couldn’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re a cowboy romance fan!
✔️ Cowboy Romance
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ Strangers to Lovers
✔️ Meddling Friends
✔️ Forced Proximity
March 17, 2026
Another great read by Portia. This has a lot of different elements appealing to a wide range of people. We have cowboys, fake dating, friends falling,chaos and a whole lot of fun.
This was a fun, fast moving rom com. As always I loved the humour Portia put into the book, the writing style and just sheer enjoyment of the plot.
Although the cowboy is a new take for Portia she still writes thoroughly enjoyable reads that whisk you away.
This was a fun, fast moving rom com. As always I loved the humour Portia put into the book, the writing style and just sheer enjoyment of the plot.
Although the cowboy is a new take for Portia she still writes thoroughly enjoyable reads that whisk you away.
April 8, 2026
I absolutely love Portia Macintosh’s books and this is no exception, my fave trope is fake dating and I am firmly in my cowboy era and this book is just EVERYTHING! I absolutely loved it! I love how all her books are connected in some way, the characters are intertwined and her world is consistent throughout all the books. You don’t have to have read anything else by her to be able to read them individually as they are all standalones but things do pop up you have read about and it’s such a nice feeling!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication date - 28th April 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication date - 28th April 2026
April 14, 2026
Really a 3.5 🌟for me on this one. It was a fun and easy read with an enjoyable story. I liked the lead female character Whitney a lot, that being said, I felt too much if her story with Andy was shared, leaving not enough time for her story with hunky cowboy Jake! I definitely need more of Jake! All in all though, it’s a fun, light hearted read with likable characters! Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Boldwood Books for this widget. This was such a fast read. Whitney is trying to just make it thru life at this point it seems. Shes trying to break out as a romance writer, trying to survive bad dates, and trying to figure out her feelings for the Bestie Andy. She has the most epic meet-cute with a Cowboy Jake and from there it is all laughs and giggles well on my end. This was such a clean fun read and I always have a good time when I read anything by this author
April 26, 2026
Wasn’t my favorite of Portia’s. Didn’t love the characters, the romance or the conflict. Our MMC had no depth and no bite. Did what he was told and said all the “right” things but it wasn’t believable. Their fake feelings towards each other had no tension, no banter, and no spice. Not to mention no depth or trust, which was the biggest hole for me in the conflict. I gave loved many of her others, but this one wasn’t for me.
ARC: netgalley in exchange for honest review
ARC: netgalley in exchange for honest review
May 2, 2026
I have devoured so many of Macintosh's romcoms over time and can guarantee there will be plenty of laugh out loud moments, and I'll turn the last page with a big smile on my face.
Wed or Alive was no exception.
It was fun, came with several of my favourite tropes, and the character chemistry was second to none.
The romance was smouldering, jealousy makes an unexpected appearance, and it wasn't without a few hiccups along the way.
Very enjoyable reading.
Wed or Alive was no exception.
It was fun, came with several of my favourite tropes, and the character chemistry was second to none.
The romance was smouldering, jealousy makes an unexpected appearance, and it wasn't without a few hiccups along the way.
Very enjoyable reading.
April 7, 2026
Thank you for NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Whitney is an aspiring author. And she is in love with her best friend, Andy. But the problem is Andy is engaged. So, Whitney gets Jake to pretend to be her fake finance. And a lot of other chaos in between.
I have enjoyed other books by this author, but this one fell a little flat for me. The characters did not have a lot of dimension. The FMC was a little wishy-washy. There were amusing moments but just not a favorite for me.
3 Stars.
Whitney is an aspiring author. And she is in love with her best friend, Andy. But the problem is Andy is engaged. So, Whitney gets Jake to pretend to be her fake finance. And a lot of other chaos in between.
I have enjoyed other books by this author, but this one fell a little flat for me. The characters did not have a lot of dimension. The FMC was a little wishy-washy. There were amusing moments but just not a favorite for me.
3 Stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC of Wed or Alive. I’m giving this book 3 ⭐️ because I can see many people really enjoying it although it wasn’t quite the story I typically enjoy reading. I didn’t find a lot of the “love story” to be fleshed out enough to be believable. The character of Jake felt cartoonish and cliche. But it was a cute, fast paced story with a happily ever after!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fun and entertaining read with quite a bit of humor. My favorite character is Cowboy Jake, what a major heartthrob. I will definitely be reading more from this author. I was given an ARC copy from NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Portia's books and couldn't wait to read this one. It didn't disappoint, fun, funny and with the perfect ending. I read this in less than two days. Jake the cowboy steals the show with a perfect meet-cute.
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